But, according the Simonson, despite the bill having its first reading, time has run out for a hearing in 2013.

"It's had it's first reading," said Simonson in St. Paul. "We will try to keep it alive for next year but I think it's a good bill. It's garnering some support so we're hopeful at the very least we'll get it going next year."

The bill is similar to those in other states where synthetic marijuana legislation was apparently successful.